Moms' Special Needs Respite Facebook Group Provides Lifeline For Caregivers In Will, Cook Counties

LOCKPORT, IL — Two local moms of children with special needs saw a need in their own lives and decided to address that challenge for not only their own families but also other families in their community.

Lockport resident Jen Ivey and Mokena resident Tessa Quinlan first created the Special Needs Respite Connection of SW Cook & Will Counties Facebook group in 2018. The two first met in 2014 and bonded over the struggle of finding trusted care for their teenage sons with special needs.

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According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, over 1.2 million Illinois adults, or about one in six, are caregivers.

Ivey said the idea came to her after she and Quinlan noticed and discussed the number of posts in community groups where parents were asking for recommendations for babysitters and personal support workers.

"We had pretty consistent support for our boys but knew within our schools, special recreation associations and therapies, there were many qualified people who would love to help families out," she told Patch.

Ivey thought a Facebook group would be great for a free, accessible way to connect people.

Quinlan said the idea really just started as a conversation between the two friends and the challenges they were facing.

"Caregiving is a full-time job, and as parents, we needed the time to regroup, refocus, and provide a needed break," she said.

When asked what their favorite part of the group is, Ivey said she loves when other parents comment on how amazing a caregiver is.

"We’ve seen them described as reliable, trustworthy, loving and a lifesaver, to name a few," Ivey said. "To see those relationships formed and for other parents to see firsthand how a caregiver has helped someone else adds to that personal connection we intended."

Quinlan agreed, adding that the comments from families are something they take a lot of pride in.

"We know how much respite is needed personally, so when we see it happening for others, we know this platform is doing its job," she said.

Over the past 8 years, the group has grown to over 2,800 members, including parents, caregivers, paraprofessionals, teachers and nurses.

Ivey said she hoped the group would be successful, but 2,800 members "is crazy when I think about it."

"We just wanted to start something we knew there was a need for, and it took off from there," Quinlan said. "It was an idea that rolled into something that most families don't understand, unless you live the life. We are very proud of what our Facebook group is today, and we are excited that it is raising awareness for the special needs community."